Greece on High Alert for Fires Amidst Extreme Winds

A nationwide alert has been issued across Greece as extreme fire risk conditions persist, exacerbated by winds expected to reach up to 9 Beaufort in some areas. Authorities are deploying drones and aerial assets to monitor vulnerable locations, aiming for immediate response to any ignitions before they can spread.

Today, August 14, is considered the most dangerous day for weather conditions, with winds intensifying. The North and South Aegean, Southern Attica, Southern Evia, and the Cyclades islands are bracing for winds up to 9 Beaufort. In Attica and Boeotia, regions recently hit by devastating fires, winds could reach 8 Beaufort with gusts exceeding 110 km/h. Similar conditions are forecast for Saturday, August 15.

A slight weakening of the winds is anticipated from Sunday. However, due to the exceptionally dangerous conditions, fire services have elevated even Category 4 risk areas to be treated as Category 5. Extreme fire risk (Category 5) is declared for the regions of Attica, Central Greece (Boeotia, Evia), and the Peloponnese (Argolida, Corinthia).

Very high fire risk (Category 4) is predicted for numerous other areas, including parts of Attica, the Peloponnese, Western Greece, the Ionian Islands, Central Greece, Thessaly, the North Aegean, Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the South Aegean, and Crete. Fire Service officials have warned that the strong, gusty winds create conditions ripe for the rapid spread of fires.

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Today we expect extremely difficult conditions. The very strong and at times gale-force winds are creating conditions that can favor the start and especially the very rapid spread of fires.